In 2019, Google made a groundbreaking announcement for the hearing aid industry with the release of Android 10. This update introduced Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA), a protocol that enabled Android devices to stream audio directly into hearing aids via Bluetooth Low Energy. Since then, many major hearing aid manufacturers, including Signia, ReSound, Widex, Oticon, and Starkey, have integrated the ASHA protocol into their Bluetooth-enabled devices. However, not all of these devices offer the same level of performance.
In this guide, we'll explore how Bluetooth streaming works with Android devices, examining its advantages and limitations. We’ll also review some of the leading hearing aids designed for seamless Android streaming.
First some quick background.
I’ll keep the technical details to a minimum, but there are a couple of key Bluetooth connection methods for Android phones:
- ASHA for Android: Specifically designed by Android to facilitate direct communication between hearing aids and phones.
- Bluetooth Classic: The same technology used by standard headphones.
Understanding these approaches will help you make an informed choice about which hearing aid best suits your needs.
Note on Bluetooth Low Energy Audio:
Bluetooth Low Energy Audio is expected to become a viable method of streaming within the next 2-3 years. However, it is not yet mainstream and is currently unavailable in most hearing aids.
Which connection approach is best for Android users?
Let's take a closer look at both options.
Bluetooth Classic (only available with Phonak and Sennheiser)
- Allows hands-free calling and simultaneous connection to multiple devices like your computer, TV, or car speaker.
- Notifications are harder to control and can be annoying because your phone thinks these hearing aids are regular headphones. Some users complain that an incoming text message shifts the hearing aids out of listening mode for a second and interrupts the flow of conversation or focus.
- Typically easier to set up on your Android phone.
ASHA (available in most other Bluetooth hearing aids)
- Allows for more fine-tuning of notifications.
- Requires that you hold your phone close while streaming a call to capture the sound of your voice. The sound of the person on the other end of the call will play into your ears, but your phone acts as the microphone for your voice.
- Your hearing aids can only connect to one device at a time using the accessibility section of your phone.
What’s the difference between Android and iPhone hearing aid connections?
Both Android and iPhone protocols (MFI and ASHA) are technically very similar, with one major exception: iPhone allows hands-free audio (your hearing aids act as the microphone), while ASHA does not have that capability.
With all that out of the way, let’s get into the best Android-compatible Bluetooth hearing aids in 2024.
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Featured in this article
#1. Phonak Infinio
Phonak hearing aids use Bluetooth Classic to connect with compatible phones. This connection strategy allows hands-free calling among Android hearing aid users.
Phonak Sphere Infinio
- Flagship device from the world’s top hearing aid manufacturer
- Industry-leading onboard AI processing with advanced Spheric mode for enhanced clarity
- Best-in-class Bluetooth streaming, compatible with both Android and iPhone
Phonak’s Infinio and Infinio Sphere models, released in mid-2024, quickly caught industry attention with groundbreaking features:
- Real-Time AI Processing: Phonak leads in AI innovation with its dual-chip architecture, powering real-time adjustments that make listening easier in complex, dynamic environments. This level of AI-driven sound processing sets Infinio Sphere apart as a top choice for clarity and adaptability.
- Extended Bluetooth Range: Enjoy hands-free streaming and calls with 2x the Bluetooth range, making Phonak an ideal pick for both iOS and Android users who value reliable connectivity.
- Waterproof and Durable Design: Built with an IP68 rating, Infinio Sphere withstands water exposure and daily wear, appealing to users with active lifestyles who want durability alongside performance.
Phonak’s Infinio line combines onboard AI with practical, user-focused features, making it an excellent choice for those seeking top-of-the-line performance and versatility in hearing aids.
Phonak Infinio Sphere receives highly positive reviews, with many users noting significant improvements over previous Phonak models and competing brands. Wearers praise its sound quality and robust Bluetooth streaming. The main complaints we found relate to the larger size and occasional automatic mode switching. Some highlights from our partners at ZipHearing.
- "Wearing these new Phonak Sphere Hearing Aids has been very comfortable and an easy adjustment for me. These are my first hearing aids and the sound with them on sounds very natural. I've been able to understand my friends in a crowded restaurant and have been able to turn off the closed captioning on my TV. The Bluetooth feature has worked well for both streaming music and phone calls. I haven't found any drawbacks yet!" - Eileen
- "I have been wearing hearing aids for 6 years. I started my journey with ReSound which lasted nearly 5 years. I then went to Costco and discovered Costco aids are fine for people with modest hearing loss, but I needed more. I then went with Phonak Sphere and have been very happy. I am active and discovered early on the aids I had purchased were being negatively impacted by sweat. Phonak replaced them with water resistant aids for a very small charge. I am very pleased with my new aids." - David
- "Sound quality is excellent. Definitely an improvement over previous HA. Still trying it out in noisy environments but I definitely see an improvement when in noisy situations in understanding speech." - Ken
- "I am currently wearing the Phonak Audio Sphere 90 hearing aids. Had them about two weeks now and the sound quality is very good. I am a bit frustrated with the Automatic program selection as it does not really seem to pick the correct program for the situation. I have not noted the sphere function working as of yet, even though I have been in a few very noisy situations. They are comfortable and only took a few days to adapt to the thicker design of the body. The battery life is exceptional. After wearing them for 15 to 16 hours they still have 45 percent batter life. The only other complaint is the charger case. It is not easy to get they in and almost kink the wires to the domes. I wish they were bigger like my previous Marvels." - Brian
- Top of the line sound processing (thanks in part to onboard AI)
- Best-in-class Bluetooth connection
- Highly water-resistant option available for active lifestyles
- Sphere is a premium product with an average price of $4,598 per pair.
- Shorter than average battery life of 16 hours per charge
- Phonak Sphere is larger than most hearing aids on the market (due to a larger battery and two onboard chips)
- Phonak Infinio is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
- If you have severe hearing loss, your care provider may fit you with a custom earmold to reduce feedback
- If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for Phonak's high-powered Naída Paradise
- Phonak Infinio is a prescription device fit and programmed by a professional
- After an initial fitting, you can connect with your care provider remotely through the myPhonak app
- Phonak is one of our top reviewed products for background noise management
- Phonak Sphere Infinio uses a first-to-market onboard AI processing chip which makes up to 7 million adjustments per second
- Phonak Infinio comes in in a comfortable receiver-in-canal style that is easy to wear all day
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
- Phonak Infinio offers a rounded, modern form factor and a comparable size to other leading devices
- Choose from a variety of colors including: Chestnut, sandalwood, sand beige, silver gray, graphite gray, velvet black, beige, champagne
- Phonak Infinio comes with rechargeable batteries only
- 24 hours on a 3-hour charge (including 80 min of streaming); 30 minute quick charge provides 6 hours battery life
- Standard charger uses inductive charging
- Phonak Infinio is among our top choices for Bluetooth capabilities
- Allows simultaneous connection to up to four devices
- Allows hands-free calling for both iPhone and Android devices
- Users can tap their hearing aid to answer calls
- Telecoil is available
- Infinio uses universal connectivity for all Bluetooth devices (other leaders use MFI and ASHA)
- Infinio offers 2X the Bluetooth range (distance from your device) compared to older models
- Phonak Infinio is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- Infinio devices come with an onboard toggle switch for volume and program changes
- Phonak Infinio is water resistant with an IP rating of 68
- Infinio has even stronger waterproofing than previous models from the brand
- This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
- Remote care: Available through the Phonak app in coordination with your provider
- Customization: Volume, treble/bass, adjustable custom programs in the app
- Tinnitus masking: Available through your healthcare provider
- Find my hearing aid: N/A
- Health tracking: Tracks length of wear time and step count
#2. Sennheiser All Day Clear
Sennheiser All Day Clear stands out as one of our top direct-to-consumer picks. Priced under $1,000 per pair, these devices are crafted by Sonova, the same company behind Phonak Lumity. They’re particularly well-suited for Android users, thanks to Sonova's signature Bluetooth classic connection, which ensures smooth hands-free calling across a variety of Android devices.
Sennheiser All Day Clear
- Our favorite OTC hearing aids for under $1,000
- Manufactured by the largest hearing aid maker in the world
- Compatible with iPhone and Android devices
Here’s why we picked the Sennheiser All-Day Clear:
- Trusted Manufacturer: Developed by Sennheiser, a leader in audio, and backed by Sonova, the world's #1 hearing aid maker, ensuring high-quality sound and technology.
- Comfortable Design: Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear, available in both Slim and standard models to suit different preferences.
- Affordable Price: Offers premium sound quality and features typically found in prescription hearing aids, all for under $1,000.
- Easy App Control: The intuitive smartphone app allows for quick, user-friendly setup and self-programming, ideal for even mildly tech-savvy users.
Sennheiser All Day Clear reviews are about as glowing as you'll find among self-fit devices. Users comment on Sennheiser's lightweight comfort, clear sound and easy to use app. Some users wished that the battery life was longer for 16+ hours of wear. Here are some sample reviews:
- "One of the best over-the-counter hearing aids you'll find.They're extremely lightweight which I really appreciate because usually whenever I use any sort of earbuds I like it to wear I don't even feel like they're on my ear.The clarity of the audio that comes out of these small little hearing aids is very impressive." - Jay
- "The instructions are not complicated and the all day clear app for the phone is easy to use and works well for personal customization. You can use the hearing aids itself to control the volume and connect to other devices. The all day clear hearing aids are comfortable to wear all day. I feel more confident because I feel like I am apart of conversations and not alienated in life. The battery life is good but you will need to recharge if you are wearing them all day." - Kamille
- "I got my 72-year-old dad the Sennheiser hearing aid, and oh boy, it's a total game-changer! Dad's been dealing with some hearing trouble for a while, but this device has turned things around big time.Being far away from him, I sent the aid his way, and he managed to set it up all by himself using YouTube. Easy peasy! Now, he's raving about how it's like night and day. In group chats, he used to miss out on voices, but not anymore. He's hearing everyone loud and clear, even when Mom calls him from another room." - Britto
- Premium Sonova-built technology for less than prescription channels
- Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calls (Android and iPhone)
- Comfortable all-day form factor
- Charger must be plugged in while charging
- Requires a smartphone for programming
- All-Day Clear is an OTC product appropriate for mild-moderate hearing loss levels
- If you have more significant hearing loss you might consider local or Telehealth care. Read more about prescription Vs. OTC hearing aids here
- Available for purchase online via Soundly
- Does not require a prescription from a doctor
- Customize your hearing aids with the Sennheiser All-Day Clear app
- Soundly customers get a complimentary guided setup session
- Sennheiser offers impressive underlying background noise management technology
- We found this product performed at a similar level to top prescription brands
- Comfortable receiver-in-canal style is great for all day wear
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
- The form factor of Sennheiser All-Day Clear is comparable to leading prescription hearing aids like Phonak Lumity
- Available in a dual-tone black and silver
- Choose between slim and non-slim versions (we recommend the non-slim option for most people)
- Sennheiser All-Day Clear comes with rechargeable batteries
- 16 hours of wear on a single charge
- Recharge case must be plugged into the wall while in use
- All-Day Clear streams to all devices including iPhone and Android
- All Day Clear allows hands free phone calls on both iPhone and Android
- Streaming quality is similar to the top prescription products on the market
- All-Day Clear is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- The All-Day Clear recharge case has ports that must be in contact for charging. This type of charger is more difficult than premium conduction chargers which do not require ports to be touching
- Sennheiser All-Day Clear hearing aids have an IP68 rating
- These devices can be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes without damage
- The Sennheiser All-Day Clear app enables setup and customization of your hearing aids
- The smartphone app allows on-the-go volume and sound quality adjustments
- The All-Day Clear app has a music and automatic program but does not offer Tinnitus masking, program creation or other advanced features
#3. Jabra Enhance Select
Jabra Enhance Select is our pick for the best overall value in the category. Jabra's hearing aids use ASHA to connect to Android devices. Their newest model, Jabra Enhance Select 500 uses Bluetooth Low Energy Audio which should connect to hearing aids more seamlessly in the future.
Jabra Enhance Select
- Bluetooth enabled and rechargeable
- 100-day risk-free trial
- Nearly invisible with a sleek design
- Professionally programmed before shipping to your home
The Jabra Enhance Select 500 offers an impressive blend of clinic-grade technology, affordability, and user convenience. Here’s why it stands out:
- Professional-Grade Technology at a Lower Price: Jabra’s Enhance Select 500 provides the advanced sound quality of clinic-only brands like ReSound but at less than half the price.
- Professional Programmed Hearing Aids From Home: Jabra’s pre-programmed approach ensures a personalized fit without needing in-clinic visits—customers simply take or upload a hearing test, and Jabra's audiologists program the hearing aids before shipment.
- Seamless Bluetooth Streaming: Equipped with LE Audio, the Enhance Select 500 delivers high-quality, direct streaming for calls and media, with excellent sound quality and range.
- Purchase Perks: Jabra offers 100-day returns, unlimited remote adjustments, and seven-day-a-week customer support.
Overall
Users commend the Jabra Enhance Select 500 for its natural sound quality, discreet design, and effective customer support. Many report significant improvements in hearing clarity and comfort.
Positives
- Natural Sound Quality: "The sound quality is excellent, and the ability to adjust settings via the app is a great feature." — Timothy T.
- Discreet Design: "These hearing aids are virtually invisible and very comfortable to wear throughout the day." — Angel M.
- Customer Support: "The customer service team was incredibly helpful and guided me through the setup process with ease." — Damian.
Complaints
While the majority of feedback is positive, some customers have reported issues with device durability and the need for adjustments. However, these concerns are relatively infrequent compared to the overall satisfaction expressed by users.
For a comprehensive view of customer experiences, you can visit Jabra Enhance's review page.
- One of the most affordable and convenient ways to purchase online while maintaining professional care
- Comes with a 100 day free-return period
- Offers rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming
- Remote care requires users to be somewhat tech savvy
- Jabra only offers styles that sit behind the ear
- Jabra Enhance Select is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
- If you have severe hearing loss and struggle with feedback (squealing) you may need a custom earmold (not available through Jabra Telehealth)
- If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for a high-powered BTE style hearing aid (note available through Jabra Telehealth)
- Jabra is a remote care brand that programs and delivers your hearing aids through Telehealth
- Take or submit a hearing test and a Jabra professional will program your hearing aids and ship them to your door
- Three years of unlimited support is included with every purchase
- Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids come with the capability for remote adjustments. This feature means you don't need to ship your hearing aids back to get program updates
- Jabra Enhance Select is manufactured by GN Hearing (the makers of ReSound hearing aids)
- Jabra devices come with a strong set of background noise handling features and app controls
- Jabra Enhance Select comes in a small and comfortable receiver-in-canal style that is easy to wear all day
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
- The form factor of Jabra Enhance Select is comparable to ReSound hearing aids
- Choose between five colors including: Sparkling Silver, Champaign, Gold, Bronze and Warm Grey
- Jabra Enhance Select offers three levels of technology. Select 500 and Select 300 come with rechargeable batteries and as of May 2024, Select 50 also comes with rechargeable batteries
- 30 hours on a full charge
- Comes with a portable charger (does not need to be plugged in)
- All Jabra Enhance Select technology levels allow Bluetooth streaming, music listening, and phone calls.
- Jabra Enhance Select 500 uses Bluetooth LE Audio (Auracast ready) and is handsfree for iPhone (11 and newer) and compatible Android models
- Jabra Enhance Select 300 allows iPhone users to take calls hands-free, while Android users must keep their phones close to pick up outbound audio
- Jabra Enhance Select 300 uses Apple's MFI connection and Android's ASHA connection to stream content through Bluetooth
- Jabra Enhance Select is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- If dexterity is a concern we recommend Select 300, which is larger and easier to grasp than the microRIE (Select 500)
- The Jabra Enhance Select charge case uses induction charging and is fairly easy to handle
- All levels of Jabra Enhance Select have an IP rating of 68
- These hearing aids can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
- Customization: Treble/bass, volume, microphone directionality
- Jabra Enhance Select includes Telehealth capabilities through the Jabra app
#4. Lucid Engage
Lucid Engage is a welcome example of a budget-friendly OTC hearing aid with Bluetooth streaming capabilities. Engage uses ASHA to connect with Android devices.
Engage From Lucid Hearing
- Trusted brand supplying Sam’s Club hearing centers
- Engage model offers strong Bluetooth connectivity and Android/iPhone streaming
- Purchase online, self-program with Lucid app, and access free Sam’s Club adjustments
- Priced competitively at $799 per pair with rechargeable, Bluetooth, and custom-fit features
Lucid Engage may not have the brand recognition of OTC giants like Bose or Sony, but it’s one of the most feature-rich hearing aids on the market. Here’s why it stood out to us:
- Solid Technology: Lucid Engage offers rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming on both iPhone and Android, making it a versatile choice for tech-savvy users.
- Convenient Support: With a long-standing partnership with Sam’s Club, Lucid provides free in-person support at over 500 Sam’s Club clinics, a unique advantage that ensures users have easy access to help if they need it.
- User-Friendly Customization: Lucid’s smartphone app (and Lucid shape feature) allows users to adjust settings for their specific hearing loss, making personalization simple and accessible.
Lucid Engage combines strong features with a reliable support system, making it a solid choice for users with mild-moderate hearing loss.
Improved Hearing Quality: Many users report a noticeable improvement in hearing quality, with better clarity in both everyday situations and noisy environments. They feel more engaged in conversations and social events with enhanced sound.
- "As soon as I took my evening walk with my dog, I could hear the crickets, the water running in the creek, and the leaves rustling in the woods among others nature sounds that I had forgotten about. They also work well when my wife talks, and even in a group setting in a restaurant." - Mark R.
Great Value for Price: Lucid Engage users appreciate the value they get for a fraction of the cost of traditional hearing aids. The affordability, combined with the robust smartphone app, is a strong draw.
- "The lucidshape app enables user to program the hearing aids for your specific hearing frequency deficiency. They are awesome!I was able to set them up better then the past audiologists ever did in the past. Also there customer support is staffed by experts in the U.S. who take the time to LISTEN to customer issues. Louis is a great support person. Thanks Lucid for providing a cost effective solution to my hearing loss." - William S.
Technical Limitations: Some users report issues with connectivity on certain phones, particularly when switching from Android to iOS, or needing to re-pair the device often.
- "I tried to connect them to my iPhone to listen to a podcast, and they couldn’t maintain a connection." - Joy C.
- "These connected for a while... maybe two months. But then they started to lose Bluetooth connectivity. It started with sound dropping out unexpectedly from one ear." - Jax
- Great overall value for the price
- Bluetooth streaming for iPhone and Android
- Rechargeable
- Self-fit
- Packaging and recharge case are less sleek than Sennheiser and Sony
- Some users report issues with the app and streaming
- Lucid Engage is an OTC product appropriate for mild-moderate hearing loss levels
- If you have more significant hearing loss you might consider local or Telehealth care. Read more about prescription Vs. OTC hearing aids here
- Available for purchase online or at retail stores like Walgreens, Best Buy and Sam's Club
- Does not require a prescription from a doctor
- Customize your hearing aids with an onboard hearing test and app-controls \
- Optional upgrade to a prescription device at a local Lucid Hearing center (inside Sam's Club)
- Lucid offers strong underlying technology based on over a decade of manufacturing for Sam's Club
- Lucid Engage is slightly less effective than leading prescription devices in background noise (Engage is also significantly more affordable)
- Comfortable receiver-in-canal style is great for all day wear
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
- The form factor of Lucid Engage is comparable to leading prescription hearing aids
- Available in gray, black and beige
- Lucid Engage comes with rechargeable batteries or non-rechargeable batteries (for a lower cost)
- The rechargeable model comes with a convenient portable, conduction-based recharge case
- 30 hours of wear on a single charge
- Disposable battery options use a size 312 battery (lasts for 7-10 days)
- Lucid Engage lets you choose between Android and iPhone streaming at purchase
- Lucid Engage is our top choice for OTC hearing aids that stream Bluetooth
- Both the rechargeable and non-rechargeable versions come with streaming capabilities
- Lucid Engage is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- If dexterity is a concern we suggest you opt for the rechargeable model vs the disposable battery model
- These hearing aids are not waterproof. Avoid moisture if possible
- Take an onboard hearing test to customize your hearing aids
- Manually customize treble/bass, volume and programs
Other helpful resources for Android users.
Not sure if your phone is compatible with hearing aids? Nearly all phones made in the last few years should be compatible. Use the pages below to double check:
Jabra, Oticon, Signia, ReSound, Starkey, Widex, Phonak
If you are trying to connect your Android device to a pair of hearing aids using ASHA, follow these instructions. 👇
- Open your device's Settings app
- Tap Accessibility
- Tap Hearing aids
- Tap Continue
- Tap Pair new device.
- Choose your hearing aid from the list of available devices. Make sure hearing aids are in pairing mode. If you have more than one hearing aid, wait for the first hearing aid to connect, then tap the other hearing aid in the list of available devices. After both are paired, the status displays a message like "Active, left and right."
How to Choose an Android-Compatible Hearing Aid.
When selecting an Android-compatible hearing aid, it’s not just the technology that you'll want to keep in mind. It is also important to understand your preferred care model. There are two main paths that consumers take for hearing care:
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids: These are typically more affordable and are designed for self-direction. They offer convenience and are a good option if you prefer a more independent approach to managing your hearing care. Sennheiser and Lucid are examples of OTC devices that work well with Android phones.
- Prescription Hearing Aids: These hearing aids are professionally customized to fit your specific hearing needs. They often provide a more tailored experience at a higher cost. Phonak devices stand out for Android users who prefer prescription care. Consider ReSound NEXIA as a potential runner up based on their use of Bluetooth Low Energy Audio.
When Will Bluetooth Low Energy Audio Matter?
Bluetooth Low Energy Audio is gradually being integrated into phones and hearing aids. Currently, the industry still relies heavily on ASHA (for Android) and MFI (for iPhone) due to the technology’s evolving nature.
However, the future looks promising. In the next 2-3 years, we anticipate a shift towards a more universal standard that will enhance compatibility across all devices, reducing the need for specific hearing aids optimized for Android or Apple devices. This transition will likely make the experience more seamless and standardized.
Are There In-Ear, OTC Hearing Aids That Stream From Android Devices?
Eargo LINK is the only reputable OTC, in-ear device that we know of which seamlessly streams from Android phones.
Other earbud-style devices, Sony CRE-E10 and Jabra Enhance Plus are only available through iPhone at this time.
Final Thoughts
Most modern hearing aids are compatible with both Android and iPhone devices. For now, Sonova-made products, including those from Sennheiser and Phonak, tend to offer superior performance and integration, particularly with Android devices.
If you have any questions about compatibility or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. You can contact us via text at 213-460-1310.
